Frame construction and hitch for farm implement



Feb. 5, 1957 R. c. FREVIK ET AL 2,780,161

FRAME CONSTRUCTION AND HITCH FOR FARM IMPLEMENT Original Filed May 6, 1950 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR RALPH C.FREV|K 2 RAYMOND w. WILSON 1957 R. c. FREVIK ET AL FRAME CONSTRUCTION- AND HITCH FOR FARM IMPLEMENT I Original Filed May 6. 1950 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 JNVENTORS RALPH C.FREVIK 2,

RAYMOND w. WILSON BY ATTOI/YKAQ;

United States Patent FRAME CONSTRUCTION AND HITCH FOR 1 FARM IMPLEMENT Ralph C. Frevik, Detroit, and Raymond W. Wilson, Ferndale, Mich., assignors, by mesne assignments, to Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Original application May 6, 1950, Serial No. 160,424, now Patent No. 2,690,109, dated September 28, 1954. Divided and this application December 15, 1952, SerialNo. 326,042

3 Claims. (Cl. 97-47.62)

The instant application is a division of our earlier filed co-pending application Serial No. 160,424, filed May 6, 1950, now Patent No. 2,690,109, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

' This invention relates to an improved frame construction and hitch for a farm implement, and particularly to an implement of the ground working type which is subject to side draft during its normal operation.

, Many forms of ground working implements, particularly moldboard and disc plows, scrapers, etc., are subjected to a considerable amount of lateral pressure during their normal operation which is commonly referred to as side draft. It has been common to provide a furrow wheel or similar device on the implement to resist such side draft, but it is well recognized that a substantial amount of side draft will nevertheless be inherently transferred to the tractor drawing the implement. In the case of well-known types of tractors having the so-called three point hitch linkage, embodying a pair of laterally spaced, power-lifted hitch links universally pivoted to the rear axle of thetractor and a central top link, the exertion of side draft by the implement on such hitch linkage produces serious interference with the steering and maneuverability of the tractor during the particular ground working operation. Since it has been customary to position the two transversely spaced draft links of this type of tractor in a forwardly converging relationship relative to each other when attached to an implement, it necessarily follows that the side draft exerted by an implement through such converging hitch links elfectively becomes a lateral force operating on the tractor at the theoretical point of convergence of the hitch links, which is adjacent to the front end of the tractor. The effective application of a force to the tractor at this point obviously produces serious complicationsin the steering of the tractor and it has been heretofore necessary for the operator to keep the'front wheels of the'tractor slightly turned at all times in order to compensate for such side draft effects.

" .Another disadvantage of known types of ground working implements isthe fact that they have not been designed so as to be capable of convenient conversion from a single tool implement to a multiple tool implement, as for example, a single disc plow of heretofore known types of construction could not be conveniently modified to a 'multiple'disc plow or a disc tiller type of implement which fundamentally differs from the single disc plow only by the addition of additional ground working discs.

j 1. Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved hitch arrangement for ground working implements subject to side draft which will effectively localize all side draft effects on the tractor at a central point on the tractor rear axle, and thereby minimize interference with the steering and maneuverability of the tractor.

A particular object of this invention is to provide an improved hitch arrangement for implements subject to side draft for use with tractors of the type having transverse'ly spaced, power-lifted trailing hitch links, charac- 2,780,161 Patented Feb. 5, 1957 terized by the effective concentration of all side draft effects on the tractor at the central point of the tractor rear axle without in any manner interfering with the liftability of the implement through the operation of the powerlifted hitch links.

Another object of this invention is to provide a universal frame structure for farm implements which may be employed to mount single or multiple ground working units and thereby achieve unusual manufacturing economy, as well as permitting the user of the implement to conveniently apply the number of ground working units to the frame that he desires for a particular operation.

The specific nature of this invention, as well as other objects and advantages thereof, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the attached sheets of drawings on which, by way of preferred example only, are illustrated two embodiments of this invention.

On the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of an implement frame and hitch embodying this invention shown in the specific embodiment of a one way plow or disc tiller type of implement and shown in connected relationship with a tractor.

Figure 2 is an enlarged scale side elevational view of the implement shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged scale partial sectional view taken on the plane 3--3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged scale partial sectional view taken on the plane 44 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is an enlarged scale partial sectional view taken on the plane 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is an enlarged scale perspective view of the hitching arrangement provided at the front end of the tongue of the implement.

Figure 7 is an enlarged scale sectional view taken on the plane 7-7 of Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a reduced scale elevational view illustrating a modified form of main frame incorporating a telescoping construction.

As shown on the drawings:

This invention will be described and illustrated in connection with the type of farm implement known as a disc plow or disc tiller, but it should be distinctly understood that the features of this invention will have application to many other forms of ground engaging implements, such as cultivators, planters, etc.

Referring to Figure 1, the numeral 10 represents the rear end portions ofa well-known make of tractor having a rear axle housing 11 and supporting wheels 12. At laterally spaced points on the rear axle housing 11, a pair of trailing hitch links 13 are universally pivoted thereto in such manner as to permit both vertical and horizontal movements about their pivotal mountings. The normal position of hitch links 13 is a forwardly converging relationship with a theoretical point of intersection adjacent the front axle of the tractor. As is custo'rnary, a pair of lifting arms 14 are respectively connected to medial portions of the hitch links 13 and are operated by a hydraulic mechanism (not shown) contained within the tractor to impart a lifting force to the hitch links 13. The ends of the hitch links 13 carry spherical bearing units 13a which permit the links to be universally connected to suitable hitch pins provided on an implement to which the tractor is connected. Also, at the lower central portion of the rear axle housing 11 a clevis hitch unit 15 is provided (best shown in Figure 6), and at the top central portion of rear axle housing 11 a bracket 16 is provided which universally pivotally mounts a top hitch link 17. All of the foregoing structure is well-known and further description is therefore deemed unnecessary.

In general, the implement frame construction embodyice nsfthis ny t anonst tutes. a in l n a d am member, which may conveniently constitute a piece of pipe or tubing to which a plurality of tool mounting bracketsareclamped at selected spacedpositions therealong. Inaddition, a pair ofhitch brackets are clamped to themain frame at the proper spacing to effect the connection of the implement to the trailing hitch links 13 of the tractor, and each hitch bracket mounts an upstanding strut, which struts define an A-frame for connection to the top tractor link1'7. Thus, as shown in Figure l, the main frame member 2t? maybe formed of a continuous length of tubing bent into a generally L-shaped configuration and having its long arm 26a disposed in generally transverse, angular relationship with respect to the path of travel of the implement. A plurality of tool mounting brackets 21 are provided, each of such brackets includinga body portion 21a having a semi-cylindrical mounting flange 21b integrally formed thereon which cooperates with a semi-cylindrical clamp lie to surround the tubular main frame 20 and issecured thereto in any selected position by a plurality of bolts 21d. The other end of each tool supporting bracket 21.is connected to a bearing block 22 and such bearing blocks support a gang of earth working discs23 in conventional fashion. While the particular implement shown in the drawings employs eight discs 23, it will be obvious that any desired number of discs from one on up may be conveniently incorporated in the described construction merely by proper selection of the length of the arm portion 20a of the main frame and the spacing of the bearing brackets 21 therealong. Obviously, for units employing a much larger number of discs, additional bearing brackets 21 may be provided.

To effect the mounting of the implement to the tractor in such manner as to minimize the effect of side draft on the tractor, this invention employs a pair of hitch brackets 24 which are of identical construction, although mounted on the main tubular frame 20 in reversed relationship. Each hitch bracket 24is a casting comprising a main body portion having a semi-cylindrically shaped flange 24a formed on one side thereof. A semi-cylindrically shaped cap 24b is provided to. cooperate with each flange 24a to surround the main tubular frame 20 and tobe clamped thereto at a selected location by bolts 24c. In addition, hitch bracket 24 defines a vertical pivot bearing bore 24d in which the vertical leg 25a of an inverted L-shaped hitch pin 25 is journaled for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. Hitch pin 25 may be retained in pivot bearing bore 24d by a pin 26. The horizontal arms 25!; of the pivot pins 25 are respectively pivotally connected to the spherical type bearings 13a in the ends of the hitch links 13 and secured therein by linch pins 27.

As previously indicated, the bearing brackets 24 are identical, but mounted on the tubular main frame 20 with their vertical pivot bearing bores 24d respectively disposed on opposite sides of such main frame, which is readily possible due to the angular disposition of the main frame relative to the tractor. An upstanding A-frame 28, as such is popularly called in the art, is mounted on the-main frame 20 in any convenient manner. For example, A-frame 28 may comprise a generally inverted U- shaped member 28a having its free end portions respectlvely secured as by welding to the caps 24b of the bearing brackets 24. A U-shaped connector 28b is then welded to the vertex portion of A-frame 28 and pivotally mounts the tractor top link 17 between its arm portions on a pivot pin 17a.

Each of the hitch brackets 24 are additionally provided with a depending ear 240 which defines a horizontal pivot bearing bore 24 A generally V-shaped tongue structure 29, Fig. l, is provided having forwardly converging side members 29a respectively pivotally connected at their rear ends to the implement by pivot pins 2% insertedin the horizontalpivot bearing bores 24 At their forward ends, the converging arms 290. are rigidlyinterconnected by a brace 29c and a transversely disposed hitch plate 29d is journaled in the extreme forward ends of the arms 29a for pivotal movement around a horizontal axis. For example, a pin 29:; may be inserted through a suitable hole extending transversely through the hitch plate 29d and the projecting ends of such pin journaled insuitable holes provided in the ends of the arm portions 29a and retained in assembly thereon by linch pins 29 Hitch plate 294 is. provided with a plurality of transversely spaced, vertical holes 29g, each one of which may-be selectively engaged by ahitch pin a carried by thetractor clevis hitch 15. In this manner, some adjustment-of the lateral position of the tongue unit 29 with respect to the tractor may be conveniently obtained From the foregoing description, it will benoted ,that'the tongue unit 29 does not interfere in any. maner with the raising of the implement from the. ground by lifting of the tractor hitch links 13. The horizontal pivotal connections respectively between the .ends of the tongueunit 29 and the tractor and the implement permit the vitnple: merit to .be freely raised. Any difference in effective radius of the lifting movement of the hitch links 13 and the tongue unit 29 is accommodated by the vertical pivot bearing connection between the hitch links and the im-. plement provided by the pivot pins 25. However, the tongue unit 29 does positively restrain any lateral move: ments of the implement with respect to the tractor-to movements about the vertical axis defined by. the hitch pin 15a. As a result, any side draft forces exerted on the implement while-operating in the ground are trans mitted to the tractor solely by the hitch pin 15aand hence are transmitted to the tractor at a point substantally centrally located between the tractor rear wheels. No side draft forces can be transmitted to the tractor through the hitch links 13 by virtue of the vertical pivot connections between such hitch links and the implement providedby the inverted L-shaped pivot pins 25.

It has been customary heretofore to attempt to absorb some of the side draft inherent in the operation of ground engaging implements by a coulter. An implement embodying this invention may conveniently mount a coulter 39 at the rearward end of the short arm b ofthe tubular main frame 20. The coulter 30 may be journaled in conventional fashion on the horizontal armof an L-shaped rod 30a, the vertical arm of which in turn is journaled in a vertical sleeve 30!) mounted in the end of mairnframe arm 2%. The vertical portion of the L-shaped rod 30;; projects out of sleeve 30b and a steeringarm 30 cis rigid 1y connected thereto. A link 3011 is then pivotally connectedbetween steering arm 30c and the horizontal arm of the nearest pivot pin 25. As best showninFigure 5, such pivotal connection may incorporate means for ad: justing the effective length of the link 30c'by. utilizing a U-shaped connector 31 which has its bight'portion-traversed by a threaded end of the link 30c and adjustably secured thereto by a pair of nuts 31a. Bolt 31b traverses the arms of the U-shaped connector 31 and additionally passes through the horizontal arm b of the-inverted L-shaped pivot pin 25. In this manner, any tendency of the tractor to turn relative to the implement will be accompanied by a corresponding turn of the coulter in the proper direction to assistin changing the direction of the implement to conform to the new direction. of tractor travel.

As previously indicated, the frame construction of this invention may be utilized with implements employing either one or a plurality of ground working tools 23.. The flexibility of the described frame constructionmay be further increased by employing the modified construction shown in reduced scale in Figure 8, wherein the main frame 40 employs a telescoping arrangement. Such modified main frame 40 may include an L-shaped tubular piece 40:; which is telescopingly received by a straight tubular piece 40b. The effective length. ofthe modified frame 40 may then be conveniently adjusted by 5 varying the extent of insertion of the L-shaped member 40a into the straight tubular member 40b. Suitable transverse holes 400 are provided, spaced along the length of such tubular members, to receive bolts 41 to retain the two frame pieces in any selected position of relative insertion.

It is therefore apparent that this invention provides an unusually simple, rugged, economically manufacturable frame construction and hitch for ground engaging, lift type implements which may be employed for a large range of sizes of a particular ground engaging implement. Furthermore, the described hitch arrangement minimizes the adverse effects of side draft upon the steering of the tractor to which the implement is connected without in any manner interfering with the liftability of the implement.

It will, of course, be understood that various details of construction may be varied through a Wide range without departing from the principles of this invention and it is, therefore, not the purpose to limit the patent granter hereon otherwise than necessitated by the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. For use with a tractor having transversely spaced, power-lifted trailing hitch links, a ground working farm implement comprising a main frame formed of two telescoped lengths of tubing, means for securing said tubing lengths in any one of a plurality of relative longitudinal positions to thereby vary the over-all length of said main frame, a plurality of tool supporting standards, means for respectively clamping said standards to said main frame at selected positions therealong, a pair of hitch brackets, and means for respectively clamping said hitch brackets to said main frame at selected laterally spaced positions, and pivot bearing elements respectively mounted in said hitch brackets for oscillation about vertical axes and adapted for connection to the tractor hitch links.

2. For use with a tractor having transversely spaced, power lifting, trailing hitch links, a ground Working implement comprising a main horizontal frame formed of two telescoping pieces of tubing, means for securing the telescoped portions of said tubing pieces in any selected one of a plurality of relative longitudinal positions, whereby the over-all lengths of said main frame may be adjusted, a plurality of standards, means for clamping said standards to said main frame at selected positions therealong, ground working tools supported by said standards, a pair of hitch brackets, means for clamping said hitch brackets to said main frame at selected laterally spaced positions thereon, pivot bearing elements respectively mounted in said hitch brackets for oscillation about vertical axes and adapted for connection to the tractor hitch links, and the free end of one of said tubing pieces being bent to a transverse position with respect to the remainder of said main frame, a furrow wheel, and means for mounting said furrow wheel in depending relationship to said bent end of the main frame.

3. For use with a tractor having transversely spaced, poweralifting, trailing hitch links, a ground working farm implement comprising a transversely extending main horizontal frame formed of two telescopica-l lengths of tubing, a plurality of standards, means for clamping said standards to said main frame at selected positions therealong, ground working tools supported by said standards, a pair of identical hitch brackets clamped to said main frame at two selected, spaced positions therealong with portions of the hitch brackets adapted for connection with the hitch links extending generally horizontally from opposite sides of the main frame, and means connecting the hitch brackets with the rear ends of said hitch links.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 822,632 Sanders June 5, 1906 1,072,169 Sanders Sept. 2, 1913 1,455,687 Walton May 15, 1923 1,653,292 Kelly Dec. 20, 1927 1,892,199 Alt gelt et al Dec. 27, 1932 2,552,770 DArtenay May 15, 1951 2,583,830 Goble Jan. 29, 1952 2,618,213 Welcher et a1 Nov. 18, 1952 2,626,579 Shaw Jan. 27, 1953 2,637,260 Silver et al May 5, 1953 2,655,855 Holden Oct. 20, 1953 2,661,675 Fyke Dec. 8, 1953 

